Happiful – September 2019

8 • happiful.com • September 2019

UK tour triumph

for drag troupe

with a difference

Founded in 2018, Drag Syndrome

• a drag troupe featuring performers
  with Down’s syndrome – have been
  touring the country, slaying the stage,
  and putting visibility realness in
  the spotlight.
  Run by performance and dance
  company Culture Device, the idea
  for Drag Syndrome was born when
  artistic director Daniel Vais took one
  of the performers to a drag show with
  him. Previously having put on ballet
  shows and fashion shoots, Daniel
  suggested the performers tried drag.
  From there, Drag Syndrome was born.
  The project has self-expression at
  its heart – and for Daniel, that’s what
  makes a show from Drag Syndrome
  so compelling.
  “I’m working with master
  performers. They’ve got the skills
  and talent to light up a stadium,
  and touch each and every audience
  member,” Daniel tells Happiful.
  “Their commitment to their art and
  career is astounding and inspiring. If
  you like a good performance, go see
  them in action.”
  Driven by the performers, and
  challenging perceptions of Down’s
  syndrome while capturing the
  energy of drag, Drag Syndrome is
  a celebration of creativity that tells
  stigma to sashay away.

Follow @dragsyndrome on Instagram

Writing | Kathryn Wheeler

ARTS

The Uplift

Photography | Damien Frost